Old Havana and its Fortification System, Cuba

Spanish colonizers were the founders of this city. Before their arrival, American Indians lived in this territory. In 1519, the Spanish captured this region and started colonizing the land and indigenous tribes. Attacks, epidemics, and hunger completely wiped off the indigenous population. Havana was officially founded on September 16, 1519. In the 60s of the 16th century, Havana became the center of Cuba. Two centuries later, the British attacked the city, but they had to return Cuba to the Spanish in accordance with the Treaty of Paris. The British got Florida back instead.

The freedom movement started in Cuba at the end of the 19th century. The main aim of the movement was to finish the Spanish reign and finally become an independent nation. Spain satisfied the claim in 1859, and Cuba finally became an independent country. Despite gaining the independent status, the Spanish still had the power to elect the general governor. In 1898, the United States declared war to Spain and attacked Havana, this way blocking the coastal areas of Cuba. The island remained occupied by the United States until 1902. This was had a devastating effect on the economy of Havana. The city started recovering only starting from 1925.
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